World Cup 2010: Cote d'Ivoire & Chelsea Striker Didier Drogba's Surgery Successful
The striker could recover in time for the World Cup...
By Luis Mira
Jun 5, 2010 7:50:00 PM
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Didier Drogba - Ivory Coast-Japan (Getty Images)
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Didier Drogba - Ivory Coast-Japan (Getty Images)
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Cote d'Ivoire forward Didier Drogba underwent a successful surgery on his fractured arm this afternoon, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has said.

The 32-year-old striker picked up the problem during the Ivory Coast's friendly match against Japan in Sion on Friday, leaving the field clutching his right arm.

There had been fears that Drogba, a key member of the Elephants, would not be able to take part in the World Cup, but the prospects of a quick recovery have now been boosted.

An FIF statement read: "Following the fracture of the ulna suffered by striker Didier Drogba during the international friendly Japan-Cote d'Ivoire on June 4th, 2010, in Sion, the captain of the Ivorian national was today, Saturday, June 5th, 2010, admitted at the Lindenhof Berne hospital (Switzerland).

"He was taken care of by professors Ralph Hertel and Michael Gaillot, eminent specialists in this field.

"The surgery required for his problem has been successfully completed.

"Professors Hertel and Gailot, as well as the Elephants' medical staff, are confident of a quick recovery from the player.

"FIF would like to thank the sports world and all those in Cote d'Ivoire, Africa and around the world who have expressed their support for Didier Drogba and the national team of Cote d'Ivoire."

The Ivory Coast will have their first World Cup match against Portugal on June 15th at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.